Machine for making concrete blocks and the like



V. DAHL MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS' AND THE LIKE Filed March l5, 1928 ll Sheets-Sheet l FIG. 3.

Oct. 7, 1930. v DAHL 1,777,660

MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Filed VIaGh l5, 1928 l1 Sheets-Sheet 2 iso @nOu/tot 335% M SMOM/wtf I Oct. 7, 19.30. v DAHL 1,777,660

MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Filed March 13, 1928 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 7.

Oct. 7, 1930. v. DAHI. 1,777,650

MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Filed March l5, 1928 1l Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 8.

Sudam/Lto@ @5% @htm/new ICQ/2550 Kw du e ,u .Y

V. DAHL Oct. 7, 1930.

MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS. AND THE LIKE Filed March 13, 1928 l1 Sheets-Sheekl 5 BIO vwentoz 33312? @Home/1f Oct. 7, 1930. v DAHL 1,777,660

MACHINE FCR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Filed March l5, 1928 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 Oct. 7, 1930. v. DAHL 1,777,660

MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Filed March 15, 1928 l1 SheetS-Shee l 7 IJWIHIHIllllll Oct. 7, 1930. v. DAHL 1,777,660

MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Filed March l5, 1928 l1 Sheets-Sheet 8 FIG. l2. /g4 299 Nn "mm1 l ,Ulmwlm Il| l Y* 9o I; 9e 299 v I u l1 rr 2 l' w+ 299 #i 299 m' o@ Il i 90o |l Y- l 1 1:Y h. 21o y l #www 11 sheds-sheet 9 V. DAHL MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Filed March 13,

.silllnlm- Oct. 7, 1930.

Oct. 7, 1930. v. DAHL 1,777,660

MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Filed March 13, 1928 ll Sheets-Sheet lO LD d' L0 1 0 r llll WHL. .IH "IUI" i oo I 9M" :OOOIMU 0 0 O .EF-.

V. DAHL Oct. 7, 1930.

MACHINE FOR MAKING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Filed March 13, 1928 l1 Sheets-Sheet l1 Patented Oct. 7, 1930 VALENTINE DAHL, OF WOODHAVEN, NEW YORK MACHINE FOR MAING'U'CON CRETE BLOCKS AND THE LIKE Application flled March 18, 1928. Serial No. 261,250.

This invention ertains to machines for making compressed) articles of plastic material, such as concrete building blocks or hollow tile.

An object of the invention is to so improve the design and arrangement of a machine of that class as t greatly enhance the convenience of operation and eiiiciency thereof.

Another object is to provide such an arlrangement of parts and method of operation as will produce an improved product.

Further and other objects and advantages will be hereinafter set forth inthe accompanying specification and claims, and shown l5 in the drawings, which by Way of illustra-` tion show what is now considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view in section, showing the charging hopper loaded and readyto move forward over the mold and under the ram.

Fig. 2 is, a diagrammatic view in section, showing the charging hopper in position over the mold. While in this position the mold and hopper are vibrated.

Fig. 3 shows the charging hopper returned to its normal position and the ram pushing the filled mold downwardly, thereby compressing the contents of the mold between the o ram above and plunger below.

' Fig. 4 shows the block after it has been raised from 'the mold by the ejector, in position to be removed from the machine.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the block r used for illustrative purposes in this specilication.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation of the machine with some unimportant details omitted.

Fig. 7 is a view on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6. m Fig. 8 isa sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 9-9 of Fig. 6, showing the mold in its up-position, the charging hopper moving forward to fill the mold, the ejector in its downposition, the ram up, and the vibrator in normal position ready to begin operation.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 10-10 of Fig. 6, showing the operation 0 at a later stage than in Fig. 9, the mold being in down-position, lthe ram moving u and the block being raised from the mold y the e]ector. y

Fig. 11 is a rear View of a portion of the machlne, on the line 11-11 of Fig. 9.

Flg. 12 is a sectional plan view on the line 12- 12 of Fig. 9.

Flg. 13 is an enlarged sectional view of the loaded mold at the instant the ram begins to push the mold downwardly to compress 60 1ts contents between the ram and the plunger.

Fig. 14 is a view of a portion of Fig. 13 after the ram has descended.

F ig.l15 is asectional view of the mold in the same position as in Fig. 13 but with the addi- 65 tion of an initial compression plate on the ram.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of the loading1 device with the upper friction device enga e and the charging hopper moving for- 70 war Fig. 17 shows details of the hopper-moving friction devices in normal position.

Fig. 18 shows details of the friction apparatus, the lower device being engaged and 75 A the hopper moving to the left.

Referring to F'gs. 6 and 7 the front frame of the machine includes upright channels tied together at their upper ends by member -32. Mounted on top of the members 30 is 80 a motor 34 driving by means of chain 36 a sprocket 37 on shaft 38. The sprocket turns freely on the shaft until friction clutch 40 is engaged, whereupon shaft 38 is driven by the motor. Fast on shaft 38 are a flywheel 85 42 and a pinion 44. Pinion 44 is in mesh with gear 46 which rotates freely on crank shaft 48 until clutch sleeve 50, splined on shaft 48, is moved to the left, whereupon crank shaft 48 rotates in unison with gear 90 46. Attached to the hub of gear 46 is a sprocket 52, which through chain 54 drives sprocket 56 fast on shaft 58. Another sprocket fast on shaft 58,"through chain 60, drives sprocket 62, which is normally free 96 to rotate on vibrator shaft 64.

Weight 66 (Fig. 6) on bell crank 68 constantly urges clutch sleeve toward the left, but movement of the sleeve in that direction is normally prevented by pin 70 supported 100 leve Z4 is c nneeted h end. of pin 70 so that when ever 74 is depressed pin is lowered out of engagement with sleeve 50,- thereby permitting weight 66 to move member 50 to the left until teeth 77 on the hub of gear 46 are engaged by corresponding teeth in sleeve 50, whereupon crank shaft 48 rotates in unison with gear 46.

0n the outer surface of member 50 is a cam 78. When sleeve 50 approaches the end of its first revolution in its left hand (engaged) position cam 78 contacts with the side of the upper end of pin 70 and moves member 50 to the right until pin 70, urged upwardly by a spring (not shown) again assumes the position shown in Fig. 6, holding clutch 50 out of engagement. From the above it will be understood that whenever lever 74 is depressed, crank shaft 48 makes one revolution only and then comes to rest. A friction brake 80 of usual type is provided at the left end of crank shaft 48 to prevent the shaft overrunning at the end of its revolution after clutch 50 is disengaged.

Shaft 48 is provided with two cranks, from each of which depends a. 4connecting rod 82, the lower ends of which are connected to ram 84, mounted for vertical reciprocation on guides 86 on frame uprights 30.

The machine illustrated in the drawings is designed to make two blocks simultaneously; therefore two molds 88 are provided, mounted end to end on frame 90 which is arranged to reciprocate vertically on the same guides 86 upon which ram 84 is guided.

Frame 90 is supported by three sets of links 92 hanging from the ends of three arms 93 keyed to horizontal shaft 96. From similar arms 94 extending rearwardly, hang weights 98 (Fig. 7) of greater mass than the molds and their attached parts.

Above molds 88 and below ram 84 in its elevated position, is a space into which a hopper 100 moves periodically for the purpose of charging the molds.

Below the molds and rigidly attached to the frame of the machine is a fixed member 102 which supports the plungers 104.

Below 102 in Fig. 6 is seen the ejector frame 106, arranged to reciprocate vertically on guides 108. Extending upwardly from frame 106 are the ejector rods 110, adjustably mounted in slots 111 (Fig. 10) through frame 106 and guided by vertical holes through plungers 104.

With the above preliminary description in mind the details of construction and operation will be readily understood.

On the left end of crank shaft 48 (Fig. 6) is a sprocket 112 (Fig. 7) which through chain 114 drives sprocket 116, free to rotate on the end of shaft 96. Attached to sprocket 116 and rotating therewith is sprocket 118, which,

through chain 120, drives sprocket 122, fast ff 124. llounted on shaft 124 is eccentric (Fig. 8) attached. by 128 to lug 130 on the lower side of plate 162 which forms the sloping bottom of supply bin or hopper 134. Plate 132 is supported by steel angles 136 at its edges, and by steel straps 138 crosswise underneath This leaves plate 13.2 free to reciprocate under control of eccentric 126. inasmuch as sprockets 112, 116, 118 and 122 are all of the same diameter, ec centric 126 will make one complete revolution, and plate 132 will make one back and forth stroke, each time crank-shaft 48 makes a revolution. This device serves a very useful purpose in preventing' arching of the freshly mixed concrete or other material 140 in supply hopper 134, and thus assuring that charging hopper 100 will be completely filled with material through the -hottom opening of the bin each time before it moves forward over the mold.

Pivotally attached at 141 to each charging hopper 100- and extending rearwardly therefrom (Fig. 8) are upper and lower friction plates 142 and 144 respectively. Plate 142 passes above, and plate 144 below, a roller 146 on constantly rotating shaft 58. The details of construction and method of operation of these devices may best be understood from Figs. 17 and 16. When hand lever 150 is depressed by the operator, the upper end of lever 152 moves to the left, pushing before it rod 154 against compression spring 156, until spring-actuated latch 158 engages the right hand side of collar 160 fast on rod 154. When rod 154 moves to the left, wedge 162 on the left end of the rod is forced between fixed block 164 and roller 166 on the free end of arm 168 which is fulcrumed on the frame at 170, thereby moving arm 168 downwardly and rotating shaft 170 clockwise. Fast on shaft 170 is a downwardly extending arm 172 provided at its lower end with a roller 174. When shaft 170 is rotated clockwise member 142 is pinched between rollers 146 and 174 and is propelled to the right by the friction between itself and roller 146 which rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. Screws 176 and 178 in arm 168 acting on arm 180 serve to adj ust arm 172 relatively to arm 168 in a manner readily apparent from the drawings.

Hopper 100 travels to the right until angle bracket 182 attached to the side of the hopper contacts with nuts 184 on rod 186 as in Fig. 18, whereupon rod 186 draws arm 188 to the right and frees latch 158 from collar 160, allowing-spring 156 by means of rod 154 to withdraw wedge 162 and free member 142 from friction roller 146, thereby stopping hopper 100 at a predetermined spot above the mold.

When charging hopper 100 reaches the end of its forward stroke, an angle bracket 190 attached to the hopper (Fig. 9) contacts with lul) an adjustable stop. 192 on the upper end of bell crank 194, pivoted on the frame at 196, thereby rocking lever 194 about its pvot and, throu h link 198, drawing up the right hand f end o clutch lever 200 which is fulcrumed on the frame at 202. Lever 200, by means ofI shoulder 201, normally holds pawl 204 out of engagement with ratchet 206 which is attached to the hub of sprocket 62. Pawl 204 is pivotally attached at 208 to disk 210, which invturn is fast to shaft 64. When shoulder 201 on lever 200 releases pa-wl 204, spring 212 draws the pawl into engagement with a tooth of rotating ratchet'206 thereby causing pawl 204, disk 210 and shaft 64 to rotate with the sprocket 62. As will later appear, by the time shaft 64 reaches the end of its first revolution, bracket 190 will have moved out of contact with stop 192 and thereupon lever 200, urged by spring 214, will again contactl with pawl 204, draw it out of engagement with ratchet 206 and permit shaft 64 to again come to rest. The above described mechanism comprises a one-revolution clutch of well g5, known type, therefore description.

The rim of disk 210 is corrugated for a' portion of the circumference thereof las indicated at 216. Associated with disk 210 :m and attached thereto is a supplemental' disk 218 (Fig. 11) whiclr is corrugated in a manner similar to disk 210. Corrugations 216 are utilized'to vibrate the mold and charging Hopper during the revolution of shaft 64, and the above arrangement of disks provides a convenient means for varying the arc during which vibration takes place. If disk 218 is located with reference to disk 210 so that the two sets of corrugations corre- 40 spond, then vibration Will occur only during the arc covered by the corrugations of disk 210. If, however, disk 218 isyangularly shifted relatively to disk 210 the effective corrugated circumference of the combined disks will be increased and the vibration period increased/accordingly'.

There is a pair of disks 25130-218 near each end of shaft 64 (Fig. 11). Resting on the rim of each pair of disks is a roller v 220 on the end of an arm 222 (Fig. 9).

' Arms 222 are keyed to shaft 96 and are held infirm contact with the disks by counterweights 98 on the ends of arms 94.

Inasmuch as molds 88 are suspended from arms 93, it'will be readily understood from the above that molds 88 and charging hopper 100 will be vibrated While corrugations 216 are passing under rollers 220. This vibration occurs while the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2.

Fast on shaft 64 is a cam 224 (Figs. 1l, 16, 17, 18). While shaft 64 is approaching the end of its revolution, cam 224 actuates bell crank 226 (Fig. 18) to move rod 228 to 55 the left and cause wedge 230 to actuate lowit calls for no further er gripper lever 232 thereby bringing lower plate 144 into engagement with the lower 146, leaving charging ,hopper 100 standing underneath supply hopper 134, ready to be again filled with concrete.

vExtending rearwardly from the top of charging hopper 100 is a flat plate 242 (Fig. 8) which serves to seal the discharge opening of supply hopper 1(34 whenever hopper 100 is not in position thereunder. Underneath hopper 100 is a plate 300 upon which the hopper slides.

The machine herein illustrated is arranged to make a block 250 as shown in Fig. 5. 'i

This block has a vertical recess 252 at each end, and two vertical cavitiesl'254 through the body of the block. The cohstruction of the mold suitable for makingjsuch a block may be understood from Figs. 12and 13. Cavities` 254 are formed by cores 256 and recesses 252 by cores 258. ores 256 rest on, and are bolted to, cross bars 260 which are secured to the lower side of the mo d, the tops of the cores being planed ofl ilus withV the top of the mold. Cores 258 are .bolted to the ends of the molds. Cores 256 are tapered toward their upper ends, being lsmaller at their tops. This feature of the upwardly tapered cores is very important from the standpoint of the quality of the finished product, as will appear from the following discussion.

The mold is filled by gravity fron above, as will be clear from Fig. 2. The fact that the space provided in themold for the concrete is wider at the top than at the bottom enables the fresh plastic material to flow freely into the, mold. The filling of the mold is of course aided by the vibration of the mold and chargingrhopper during the filling operation. However, after the mold is filled as above, the material must be com-l pressed in order to provide a block of proper density. .It has been found that if the manear the plunger and decreasing in density toward the more restricted part of the mold cavity. j

To overcome that diiiculty the present machine is arranged to compress the block 'from the bottom of the mold insteadl of Mounted on member 102 is a plun er 104*y projecting upwardly into the open ottom of the mold as shown in Fig. 13. Resting on top of plunger 104 is a plate 264 surrounding the cores and slidable vertically within the cavity of the mold. The undei` side of plate 264 is counter-bored to receive the upper ends of the four ejector rods 110. On top of plate 264 is placed the steel platen or pallet 266 upon which the block is formed and upon which the finished block isremoved from the machine.

After the mold has been filled with plastic material and the charging hopper has returned to normal position the operator draws down lever 74 thereby causing crank shaft 48 to make one revolution as described.

This results in ram 84 descending on the topv of the mold and forcing it downward as shown in Fig. 3. Inasmuch as member 102 is stationary the downward motion of the mold causes thecontents of the mold to be compressedvfrom the bottom upwardly by plate 264 which serves as-the working face of plunger 104.

On the downward stroke of ram 84 the block is compressed. On the following upstroke of the ram the block is automatically removed from the mold, as follows.

On the rear of the ram near each end thereof is a spring-actuated latch 27 0 (Figs. 10, 11) which, when the ram reaches the bottom of its stroke engages collar 272 on vertical rod 274. 1 The lower ends of rods 274 are connected at 276 to levers 278, pivoted at 280, the upper ends of the rods being guided by bearings 282 fast to the frame. The free end of each lever 278 is connected by link 284 to ejector frame 106. The opposite end of each lever 278 is provided with a counter-weight 286. i

The mold-supporting arms 93 at the ends of the machine are each provided with a stop pin 288. When the molds are at the bottom of their stroke each stop pin 288 is engaged by the lower end of a spring-actuated bell-crank latch 290 pivoted on the frame at 292. Latch 290 prevents the molds from following ram 84 upwardly to assume their normal position until released by the operator, as will appear.

While the mold is latched down, crank shaft 48 continues to revolve, raising ram 84 to its normal position at the top of its stroke. On that up-stroke of the ram, rods 274 are drawn up by latch/es 270, rotating levers 278 about their fulcrums 280`.and, through links 284, raising lejector frame 106, ejector rods 110, plate 264, and platen 266, thereby ejecting the newly formed block upwardly from the mold.

The ejection operation is shown under way in Fig. 10 and. completed in Fig. 4. The operator then removes the block, on its platen, to the drying racks. The platen is usually provided with upwardly curved ends as at 287 (Fig. 13) to serve as convenient handles for the operator.

A swinging table 291 is provided (Fig. 8) at proper height to assist the operator in easily moving the block and its platen from the machine.

After the block has been 'removed the operator depresses pedal 293, rocking shaft 295 and drawing down rods 294, to rock bell cranks 296 thereby, through horizontal link 298, disengaging latches 290 from .stops 288. This permits counter-weights 98 to raise the molds to normal position Hush with the top of plate 300 upon which charging hopper 100 slides.

When latch 290 is actuated as above, the horizontal arm 302 thereof draws down link 304, which in turn draws down arm 306 (Figs. 10 and 11) which depresses horizontal arm 308 of latch 270 thereby releasing latch 27 0 from collar 272 and permitting the ejector mechanism to drop to normal position against the resistance of counter-weight 286 which serves to lessen the impact of levers 278 on rubber bumpers 310.

This completes the cycle of operation of the machine, which is again in the position shown in Fig. 1, ready to begin the manufacture of another block.

The cycle described in detail above may be stated briefly as follows. lVith the motor and shafts 38, 58 and 64 running, the operator depresses lever 150, whereupon charging hopper 100 moves forward to a position over mold 88 and fills the mold. lVhile the charging hopper is resting on the mold they are vibrated to insure proper filling of the mold.

After the vibrating operation is completed the charging hopper is automatically returned to normal position, under the supply hopper, taking back with it any material not left in the mold. The operator then depresses lever 74, thereby causing crank shaft 48 to make one revolution, which results in ram 84 forcing the mold and contents downwardly. During the downward stroke of the mold its contents are compressed upwardly by the stationary plunger. The mold is latched at the lowest point of its travel, and the ram on its up-stroke actuates the ejector mechanism to force the finished block out of the top of the mold. After the operator removes the block, on its platen, he depresses foot lever 293 whereupon the mold rises to normal position and the ejector device falls to normal position and the cycle of operation of the machine is complete.

It sometimes happens that a block is desired having a greater localized density at one surface than throughout the balance of the block. This is accomplished by providing ram 84 with a compression plate 320 so located and shaped as to enter the upper endv of the mold cavity (Fig. 15). As already explained, any attempt to compress the material from the under end of the mold cavity toward the narrower end thereof results in localized density at the end where the pressure is applied. The arrangement shown in the drawing produces a block having theusual density due to plunger 104 applied from the bottom, and an increased density at its upper face due to compressor plate 320.

To vary the height of the block or degree of compression thereof the vertical location of plungers 104 may be changed by means of shims 322 placed underneath them on member 102 (Fig. 13).

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific construction herein illustrated and described but can be embodied in other forms without departure from its spirit as defined by the following claims. s

1. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a charging hopper, a mold, means for moving said hopper to a position in Which it rests on said mold, means effective automatically when the hopper reaches said position lfor vibrating said mold and said hopper, and means effective automatically when the vibration operation is completed for removing said hopper from said mold. l

2. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a charging hopper, a mold, means for moving said hopper to a position in which it rests on said mold, means effective automatically when the hopper reaches said position for vibrating said mold and said hopper, means effective automatically When the vibration operation is completed for removing said hopper from said mold, and means for automatically stopping the operation of the vibrating means When the hopper has been removed.

3. Ina machine of the class described, in combination, a charging hopper, a mold, means for moving said hopper to a position in which it rests on said mold, means for thereupon vibrating said mold and said hopper, and means for adjusting the duration of said vibrating action.

4. The invention set forth in claim 3, in' which said vibrating means comprises a pair of adjacent disks each corrugated around a portion of its circumference, and means for adjusting said disks angularly relatively to each other in order to vary the total circumferential extent of \the corrugations on Ithe two disks substantially as described.

5. In a machine of the class described, in

combination, a charging hopper having a normal position, a mold, means formoving .said hopper from normal position to a position on said mold, said moving means including-a rearwardly extendingmember pivotally attached to said hopper, and means comprising another rearwardly extending member pivotally attached to said hopper for returning said hopper to its normal position.

7. The invention set forth in claim 6, in which said rearwardly extending members are actuated by a friction device arranged to selectively engage one or the other of said members.

8. The invention set forth in claim 6, in which said rearwardly extending members are parallel with each other, a continuously running friction roller is located between said members, and meansare provided for forcingone or the other of said members into contact with said roller. Y

9. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a charging hopper having a normal position, a mold, means for movmg said hopper from normal position to a position on said mold, said moving means including a pair of rearwardly extending parallel friction plates, a rotating friction roller between said plates, means for forcing one of said plates into contact with said roller to ldrive said hopper from its normal position to a position resting on said mold, means effective automatically when the hopper reaches said latter position for vibrating said mold and hopper for a predetermined period, and

means effective automatically ,whelnftheyijbra' i tion is completed lfor'for'c'i'ngthe other friction plate into contact with said roller whereby the hopper will be returned to normal position.

10. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a mold having a normal position and a depressed position and adapted to contain plastic material, a. ram, means for imparting a down-stroke and return stroke to said ram,lsaid ram on its down-stroke moving said mold from normal to depressed position to effect compression of the material contained therein to form a block, means for latching the mold in depressed position, and a device effective on the return stroke of the ram for ejecting the block upwardly from the mold.

11. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a mold having a normal position and a de ressed position and adapted to v contain plastic material, a ram, means for imparting a down-stroke and return stroke to said ram, said ram on its down-stroke moving rsaid mold from normal to depressed position to effect compression of the materlal contained thereinto form a block, means for latchin the mold in depressed osition, means .or unlatchin ,the mold, and means for thereupon restoring the mold to normal position.

12. The invention set forth in claim 11, inv which said restoringlmeans comprises a coullter-weight operatively connected to the mo 13. The invention set :forth in claim 10, iny

which means is provided for forcing the ejector to norma position and in which means is provided to lessen the impact when the ejector reaches said normal osition.

14. The invention set forth 1n claim 10, in which means is provided for forcing ,the ejector to normal position and in which means is provided to lessen the impact when the ejector reaches 'said normal posltion, said impact lessening means comprising a counter- Welght to lessen the restoring force, ytogether with a resilient device with which said ejector contacts when it is in normal position.

15. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a mold open top and bottom and adapted to contain lastic material, a lunger adapted 1.0 enter t e bottom of said) mold, means :for forcing the mold down against the plunger to form a compressed block of plastic material in the mold, means for latching the mold in its down-position, means operable while the mold is in said position for ejecting the block upwardl throu h the top of the mold, and means or simu taneously restoring the mold and ejecting means to their initial positions.

In testimony whereof I hereto ailx my signature.

VALENTINE DAHL. 

